The little group around the dying man made way for the old admiral. He knelt down on the deck opposite Elizabeth, not heeding the others, and gazed long and earnestly in the face of the dying officer.
"The last of his line," he murmured, "and he is gone!" A single tear trickled down the weather-beaten cheek, and splashed upon the face of the young man. "Will he live to know me, think you?" said the admiral, simply, to the surgeon.
"I think so, yes," replied the physician. As if he had heard the question, Coventry opened his eyes; there was recognition in them.
"Father," he murmured faintly.
"My boy--my boy," said the admiral, bowing his head, and striving, manlike, but in vain, to conceal his emotion.
"You told me--not to see you--again; I tried to obey," said Coventry, faintly. "The charge--
"It is withdrawn; I dismiss it. You have done nobly, Captain Pearson says, and fought like a hero. You are forgiven. I commend you," said the old man, catching his other hand.
"Ah, so," said Coventry, smiling wearily. "Now I must go."
"Not yet!" cried the admiral.
"I--my Lord--" said the young man, wandering again, "may it please the court--may it please the court--" He struggled for breath. "Lift me up," he said.